As dental offices across the country resume care in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been reports of offices charging patients extra for the use of PPE (personal protection equipment).
At Muscaro and Martini Dentistry, we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. While it’s true that we are paying more for things like masks and disposable gowns, we have no intention of placing the burden of that cost on you. Muscaro and Martini Dentistry will NOT be charging additional fees for the use of PPE in our office.
Why Are Other Dental Offices Charging for PPE?
Dental staff using PPE to take care of patients is nothing new. Universal precaution measures—such as wearing masks, gloves, and eyewear—have been the standard for decades.
These measures served to protect both patients and staff from severe illnesses like HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. They also protect from more common illnesses, like the cold and flu.
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has created a huge increase in demand for personal protection equipment, and not just in the medical field. As the country continues to reopen, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores also need PPE to stay safe.
This huge spike in demand has led to an equally huge spike in cost. We’ve seen it firsthand—masks that used to cost just a few cents now cost up to $5 for a single mask.
With fewer patients and greater spend on PPE, more and more dental offices are charging patients “PPE fees” to cushion the financial blow of the pandemic. These fees can range anywhere from $10 to $40, and not every office is transparent about it.
Your Safety is Priceless to Us
Rest assured that when you make an appointment at Muscaro and Martini Dentistry, you don’t have to worry about being charged with a PPE fee.
We understand the emotional and financial stress that this pandemic is putting on our patients and their families. The last thing anyone needs right now is to see a surprise charge on their dental bill.
Thanks to our amazing patients and staff, our practice is running very close to normal, allowing us to mitigate the additional cost of keeping everyone safe. Learn more about the precautions we’re taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Questions? Give Us a Call!
Thank you for putting your trust in us for the last 32 years. We have always considered it our duty and responsibility to protect the health of our patients and staff, and will continue to follow the CDC’s COVID-19 safety guidelines for as long as necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (813) 839-6999.